While the gambling industry actively implements the possibility of depositing and withdrawing funds via crypto, Italian laws remain strict on this point. Transactions via Bitcoin and other currencies of the decentralized financial system can’t be tracked and are anonymous, which is a benefit for many casino lovers. However, AAMS licensing, which guarantees the legality of a gaming establishment in Italy, prohibits crypto usage.
The thing is that cryptocurrencies are often used for money laundering and other illegal operations. The Italian government aims to minimize them. Therefore, strict control over funds and transactions is a necessity. ADM doesn’t consider blockchain technology a reliable system for payments in online casinos since multiple instances of fraud have occurred. Let’s see all the peculiarities of such regulations in the country.
Exploring Global Crypto Adoption in Online Gambling
Cryptocurrencies are among the most widely used currencies for casino payments. It is not surprising since cryptos provide players with numerous benefits. Some of them are anonymity, fast transaction speed, and global accessibility of Bitcoin. Since gambling is strictly forbidden in many regions, people use crypto as a way to get around this ban.
Currently, Curaçao is the only country that has completely legalized cryptocurrencies for gambling activities. However, states like the UK, Canada, Australia, etc. are implementing appropriate regulatory bodies to use decentralized financial systems for online casinos and sportsbooks.
Regulatory and Legal Factors Behind AAMS Casino Decision
The ban on using cryptocurrency in AAMS Italian casinos is driven by the fight against money laundering and crime. The country’s gambling regulations imply that all actions must be transparent and transactions have to be tracked. ADM is the authority controlling the activity in Italy, and according to it, cryptocurrencies cannot be used in online casinos and sportsbooks.
However, foreign operators are not forbidden in the region. Therefore, players can take advantage of even the best casino on NonAAMS in Italy to deposit and cash out via cryptocurrencies. They should still be licensed by foreign government bodies like Curaçao and MGA, otherwise, they are illegal in the country.
Technical and Operational Challenges
Italy is usually considered a crypto-friendly country, but it still doesn’t hurry up to implement Bitcoin in gambling activities. The local crypto tax reached 26% for transactions exceeding €2,000, which is considerably high and not suitable for many gamblers. But still, the lack of appropriate regulations remains the primary challenge for AAMS casinos.
Moreover, the increase in crime levels using cryptocurrencies is another problem that still needs a solution. The government is searching for ways to eliminate money laundering, often conducted through online gambling establishments. It is a risk not only for the state but for the casinos themselves. Those online platforms risk losing their funds due to scammers. Therefore, it is sometimes easier for operators to allow only fiat currencies, which can be tracked quickly.
Scalability is another challenge connected with blockchain. Even though crypto transactions are instant, networks can significantly slow down when the number of users and applications grows. Therefore, blockchain networks can provide slower transactions, as they should process and verify too many actions simultaneously.
Many also note that security is an essential factor for casinos to not use blockchain. The system is considered safe, but there are still instances when online crypto casinos have been hacked. In such cases, both players and the business owners lose significant amounts of money. Returning funds and restoring the necessary data is almost impossible – again – since transactions cannot be tracked. So, there is a need to implement additional protection mechanisms that will not be vulnerable to any kind of fraud.
The financial issue is last but not least. Implementation of cryptocurrencies in any business, including AAMS casinos, requires a lot of investment. Many services are free, but hiring specialists who would potentially maintain the networks may be expensive for gambling industry players.
Factors Shaping Public Acceptance
Many players would gladly deposit and withdraw funds in an AAMS casino using cryptocurrencies. This payment method implies numerous advantages like security, complete anonymity, impossibility of tracking transactions, higher betting limits, and additional bonuses for Bitcoin users. However, crypto still cannot compete with fiat currencies, and here’s why:
- Volatility in cryptocurrency prices distracts people from blockchain. They fear they can lose their assets.
- Poor Bitcoin reputation due to multiple instances of fraud and illegal activities using this technology.
- Lack of cryptocurrency regulations globally and high taxes in Italy and beyond its borders.
- Absence of knowledge and experience in interacting with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and so on.
Increasing awareness of cryptocurrencies is a point that should be considered. Currently, a minor population percentage knows how blockchain technology works and its benefits for users. Moreover, many still doubt the security and reliability of this payment option.
Future Possibilities and Conclusion
Currently, no changes can be predicted in ADM regulations. AAMS casinos are strictly forbidden to implement cryptocurrencies into their activities. We cannot say for sure how the sector will develop in the future, as the landscape is changing quickly. Currently, ADM cannot accept cryptocurrencies due to their complete anonymity and the impossibility of tracing the funds’ movement. However, it is possible that new technologies providing more transparency will be developed in the future.
While many users would be happy with the possibility of using crypto in online casinos, many still fear its insecurity and the potential problems caused by it. Therefore, increasing the quality of protection measures and increasing awareness about blockchain technology is on the agenda.